Deloris Garden (centre), secretary of the Jamaica District Grand Lodge Number Two, examines items of clothing that were given to indigents from surrounding communities, near Goodwin Park, in Kingston, yesterday. Looking on are Hyacinth Staines (left) from Vineyard Town and Wilhel Pounell from Allman Town. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

More than 1,500 indigent persons from the communities of Allman Town, Rae Town, Vineyard Town and surrounding areas, were yesterday given an Easter treat when they received food packages and clothing from the Jamaica District Grand Lodge Number Two in Kingston.

Early yesterday morning, the indigents turned up at the headquarters of the District Lodge on Goodwin Park Road to collect their packages and ferret through barrels of clothing.

Seymour Smith, executive grand councillor at the lodge, told The Gleaner that this was an annual event, which started 45 years ago at Hanover Street, downtown Kingston.

He said the event cost some $500,000 and was funded by members of the lodge. Meanwhile, several indigents expressed gratitude for the packages that they received.

"It is very enjoyable because it takes off a lot of stress, and it allows us to have two or more days' meal, which we would not have been able to buy," said Wilhel Pounell, a residentof Allman Town.

"I have been here already - last year - and I came today (yesterday). I enjoy myself and I am thankful for what I got," she told The Gleaner.

Millicent Mullett, a resident of Rae Town, applauded the organisation for the help it is giving to the poor.

"It is very nice that they were helping the elderly," she said. Ms. Mullett said she had collected food items and clothing for herself and for her neighbours who were in need.